Chapter Text
Chisa's POV
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He was there...
Joseph... haunting me in my dreams...
His eyes... dancing with joy... a sinister smile plastered on his lips...
He pinned me down... raising a scalpel in the air... as I convulsed beneath him... mouth open as a blood-curdling scream left my lips...
In an instant, the image vanishes... and is replaced by... Chise...
She looks... alive...
Eyes bright and full of life...
This is so strange... and impossible.
I never have happy dreams...
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I'm surrounded by darkness... yet I'm... peaceful...
"...se, please... don't want you to... behind."
I don't feel any pain... wherever I am...
"I have... stay! ... needs me!"
Where am I?
"Just one... I ... eed you.
The last thing I remember... are the Ariels...
"Alright... right back if... happens."
I feel like I'm about to wake up... I can hear voices... they do sound far away though...
"I'll let you know... things change."
Wait... Voices?! Where am I? Oh please, tell me I'm not in the Alchemists' College... But I'm not in the forest... I can tell. This bed is too soft to be the trunk of a tree. But I can't be here! All Alchemists are the same! They're like Joseph! They'll hurt me and experiment on me! I can't take anymore pain.
I just can't!
Hold on, stay calm. I just need to be logical about this... If I pretend to be asleep, I can just wait until these voices go away and them I can escape. My plan sounds terrible, but right now it's the best bet I have to get out of here alive.
But I still don't know where I am...
I can hear the Alchemists much more clearly now... I must really be awake. I can sense them... their auras... the seem brighter than Joseph's... but it's a trick, it has to be... they want me to trust them... like hell that's ever gonna happen!
"Her vitals are normal. It's just a matter of time before she wakes up." A man's voice.
"I can't wait to examine her!" Anoter excited voice joins the conversation. "Another Sleigh Beggy! She will be valuable towards our research."
My blood ran cold. I could feel my heartbeat start to climb. It was extremely difficult to keep my face neutral and calm. I wanted to scream, thrash, cry. But I can't, or I'll blow my cover. I knew it... I can't trust anyone but myself... I have to get out of here! I did my best to calm my raging heart, I was still listening to their conversation:
"Tory! Don't say it like that! She is a person, y'know!"
My heart skipped a beat. Do they know I'm awake? Are they trying to trick me?
"Yeah, I know. But now we can research two Sleigh Beggies! It's so exciting!"
Two? There's another one here? Oh no... I won't have time to look for the other one. My heart cracks for that person. This must be one of the times where you have to put yourself first... I won't be an experiment again. My body can't take it!
Eventually, I hear their footsteps receding. Thank goodness! As their footsteps get fainter, I hear the low groan of a door being opened. The footsteps fade away and I hear the door close.
Instantly, my eyes fly open and I sit bolt upright. However, I wasn't prepared for the harsh thumping in my head. I groan, rubbing my temples gently with my hands. But that's when I notice the IVs sticking out out of hands and arms. I can't stop the loud gasp that leaves my mouth. They're drugging me! They're already experimenting on me!
Who knows what concoctions are in these IVs!
My small frame starts to shake and I quickly grab the first IV sticking out of my right arm. Using all my strength I quickly yank it out, hissing at the sudden pain. As soon as I do, a loud beeping noise starts coming from a nearby machine. My eyes widen and my heart accelerates.
No! No! No! I can't get caught! I won't let them hurt me!
I tug the rest of the IVs out as fast as I can, gritting my teeth so I don't make anymore noise as my arms begin to ache. Swallowing nervously, I ignore the blood that starts to drip down my arms. I throw the blanket covering my legs off my body, ready to jump out of the bed. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the curtain.
I scream.
This... creature is not human! It has some human aspects... but it mostly resembles a large caterpillar. It looks like a... Chimera... Immediately, fear swallows me whole... Joseph is here... I'm in danger! He's coming for me!
The Chimera starts advancing towards me, and I scream again in pure terror. I shuffle to the side of the bed quickly. But I go too far, my hand grasps the air and I tumble to the floor, landing in a heap. An intense, sharp pain flares in my stomach, and I cry out in agony. My left hand automatically clasps my torso, which is wrapped in bandages. I can feel the warm wetness of my blood soaking through the material.
"Oh no! You've hurt yourself! Please, I'm a friend, let me help you." The Chimera spoke, walking round the side of the bed, mere metres away from me.
I've never heard one speak before - shock covers my features for just a moment. Wait... it's trying to trick me with pretty words! Fear spikes in my heart as I notice how close this creature is to me. I shrieked, terrified. I have to get away! I have to escape!
Glancing at the bed, I look back to the creature - it's getting closer! Using all the strength I can muster, I push myself to my feet, leaning heavily on the bed. I wince as the familiar white hot agony spreads across my abdomen. Hot tears sting my eyes, but I keep my lips sealed.
Just as the Chimera reaches out to grab me, I jump onto the bed, scrambling across to the other side as fast as I can. I threw my legs over the edge, planting them on the ground. I pushed myself off the bed, holding my stomach, running towards the gap in the pale green curtain.
"No! Wait! Chisa! Come back!" The Chimera yells frantically.
I momentarily froze. It knows my name... I grew very afraid. Joseph's here. He's using his mind control... I knew it... he's going to hurt me again... I have to get out of here! I lunged for the curtain, ignoring the protests from the Chimera.
Instantly, I felt dizzy, and I clutched the sides of my head. I don't have time to stop! My eyes scan the room quickly, and I spot the door just ahead of me. My heart leaps with joy, and I start making a beeline for the door. But I didn't realise how weak I was, and I stumbled into the door, banging my already throbbing head. I gasp, releasing my torso to clutch my aching head.
"Chisa please! I'm not going to hurt you!"
I look back, seeing the Chimera emerge from the curtain.
"Liar!" I scream, it only wants to hurt me... it was created by Joseph... I have to get out of here!
I rammed my shoulder against the door, hissing in pain. That will definitely leave a bruise. The heavy door swings open and I stumble forwards out of the room. I'm greeted by a corridor. It looks... normal. Cream-coloured walls and a tiled floor - like a school.
The searing agony in my abdomen snaps me out of my daze. I'm trying to escape here! I can't get distracted! Which way do I run? I glance to the left - the hallway is empty... but I don't know where it goes... My eyes fleet over to the right... and my heart sinks. My mouth goes dry as I see two figures in white lab coats staring right at me...
I whimpered, tearing my eyes away from the figures, feeling helpless. I could hear the Chimera yelling behind me, and I backed away from the door, edging to the left, away from the figures. The sound of my blood dripping to the floor made me clutch my stomach tightly... it hurts... how am I going to get out of here when I'm bleeding like this? I glanced to the left, my only hope for freedom. I almost burst into tears when I saw the empty corridor. I can go that way! But... how fast can I go?
I glimpsed back at the two people and gasped. They're closer than before. They're taking slow and steady steps towards me, arms raised... ready to grab me! I frantically backed away from the danger that was surrounding me - they are definitely men, they tower over me even from afar, but they both have long hair like Joseph, and they're wearing glasses. Tears started to blur my vision, preventing me from seeing their faces.
I looked behind me one last time to make sure the way was still clear... I have one shot... I have to keep a clear head... but everything hurts...
Without warning, I whipped around and bolted down the clear hallway. My wound screamed and I cried out, tears streaming down my cheeks. A wave of dizziness crashed over me and I hit the wall, using it to support my weight.
"Chisa! Don't run! We're your friends! Please listen!" I can hear their footsteps echoing behind me.
A sob escapes my lips and I push myself to go faster. I was afraid... I can't let them take me... they'll bring me back to Joseph! My body protests bitterly as I keep stumbling forwards, away from the voices. My sight is blurry from my tears, and the dizziness isn't helping either. I soon reach the end of the hallway... I don't know which way to go! I've gotten this far... I won't give up so easily...
With a sudden rush of adrenaline, I push myself off the wall and take another left, sprinting down another corridor. I clasped my stomach, trying to lessen the pain as blood seeped into my hand. I ran haphazardly, bumping into the walls. Tears continued to drip down my face. My wounds were agonising, but I have to bear with it if I want to get out of here.
Doors fly past me, but I don't try any of them, I don't know were they lead, and that would waste time. I could trap myself... then they would get me for sure... so I have to keep going...
My breathing became laboured and my limbs began to feel heavy. The adrenaline was wearing off, and I felt so weak. As I reached the end of the hallway, I leaned against the wall, my head spinning and my chest heaving. It took everything I had not to crumple into a heap. I've made it this far... I can't give up now! I just need a few moments... to gather enough strength.
I can't hear them following me... I must have been moving faster than I thought. I was panting heavily, trying to catch my breath. Sweat coated my forehead and I used my right hand to wipe it away. I planted my right hand on the wall, which was incredibly smooth and cold to the touch. Slightly confused, I lifted my head off the wall and looked at it. I gasped softly, fresh tears filling eyes...
It wasn't a wall I was leaning against... it was a mirror...
Seeing my reflection was shocking. I looked awful. Large, dark purple circles under my eyes made me look like I hadn't slept in months. I could see every bone in my face and I was deathly pale. My red eyes and bloodstained clothes weren't helping my situation.
I'm a shell of myself.
The only thing I liked about myself, was my hair. Someone had styled it into an elegant fishtail braid... it was pretty, I liked it. Chise used to do this with my hair all the time back at home. I ran my fingers over the intricate design carefully, relishing how soft my hair felt. The funny thing is, it looks just like the way Chise used to do it... but how can that be, when I saw her die?
Suddenly, I saw a figure move in the mirror. My heart rate sped up as I panicked, quickly turning around. My eyes widened, and I was petrified. This person had white hair... just like Joseph... I kept staring at him, too scared to move. He was getting closer and closer, and I whimpered, pressing myself against the glass. The man in the lab coat slowly moved his arm, just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the syringe he had behind his back. A spark of anger flared within me, but it was quickly snuffed out by fear as he was close enough to grab me. He stretched his arm out and I wrapped my arms around myself, terrified.
No! No! NO! I won't let you do this to me!
A strange feeling settled in my bones... it felt like there was pressure building up inside my body with each step the figure took towards me. He was too close now... and I was scared...
"NO!" I shrieked, feeling a sudden burst of energy release from my body.
The man was knocked back. He flew through the air and his back slammed into the wall. He dropped the syringe, which broke as it hit the ground. The mirror behind me shattered, and I screamed again as glass showered down on me and the floor. I shielded my face, hissing as the tiny shards sliced my arms and hands.
I immediately felt dizzy. Everything had happened so fast... and I was confused. How did I send a man flying, when I didn't even touch him? I gazed at the man; he was limp, but I could see his chest rising and falling. He's alive.
I have to get out of here right now! Someone's bound to have heard my screams and the mirror break. I can't get caught... if he catches me now, my punishment will be worse than death...
I quickly pushed myself off the wall, using my hands to steady myself. I ignored the pounding in my head and started to run in the opposite direction of the man I managed to knock out. Glass cut into my feet as I moved away from the mirror. I gritted my teeth, letting the tears fall as I refused to make another sound.
This time, I found it more difficult to move. My breathing was laboured and I was sweating profusely... I must have a fever... I felt so weak... I wasn't even running anymore. I was leaning heavily on the wall, stumbling along, struggling to keep my eyes open. I reached the end of another corridor and pressed my head against the cool wall, trying to get rid of my headache.
I looked back and froze...
Directly opposite me, at the far end of the corridor, was a black dog with red, glowing eyes. My breathing hitched and I starting shaking with anxiety. It looked scary... and strong. It was sniffing one of the many bloody footprints I had left in my wake... it was looking for me!
Suddenly, it looked up. Its red eyes pierced into mine and I gasped. It continued to stare at me, not moving a muscle. I did the same, petrified by its presence. My heart was beating wildly, because I had a crazy plan... one that most most likely get me killed. I have to run... I have no other choice...
I tore my eyes away from the beast and bolted around the corner, clutching my stomach as it continued to bleed. The pain was unbearable, but I can't stop. Almost instantly, I heard the dog bounding after me, giving me the second adrenaline rush I needed. But I still ran haphazardly, my legs were shaking with weakness. I glanced behind me, screaming when I saw the dog was already at the corner where I was standing moments earlier. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to push myself harder. My fear was eating me alive.
"Hey! Wait! Chisa!"
I almost stopped running. That voice... I recognise it...
No. It's a trick. Wait... I saw this... in my Flash. I didn't stop then... and I won't now!
Up ahead, I could see a door where the hallway ended. I can make it... I have to! I just need to dig deep and find the strength.
The door was getting closer... But so was the dog. I could hear it panting, and I panicked. I ran faster, aggravating my wound. I cried out in agony. My feet were no better, I could feel the shards of glass digging deeper into my skin and I hissed, tears continuing to leak from my eyes.
After what felt like an eternity, I reached the door. Grasping the doorknob tightly, I turned it, praying silently that it would open. I was so agitated. The dog had nearly reached me... I only had one chance to get to safety. To my immense relief, the door swung open. I quickly entered the room and slammed the door shut, making sure the beast couldn't follow me.
My chest was heaving and my vision was blurred. I was so tired... My legs gave out and I crumpled against the door. I almost had a heart attack when the dog hit the door, trying to open it. I shrieked, listening to its claws scraping against the wood. How am I going to keep him out? My hand slid from the doorknob in defeat, only to brush against something else. I looked up and came face to face with a key.
I thanked my lucky star and quickly grabbed the piece of metal. Wasting no time I twisted the key sharply and tugged it out of the keyhole, tossing it to the side. Relief flooded through me and I sighed, slumping against the door. I know I haven't won yet, but at least I'm safe for now.
Several loud bangs on the door quickly make me renounce me statement. I quickly scrambled away from the door. Suddenly, my hand meets the ground a lot quicker than I expected it too. Turning my head, I see stairs... shifting my gaze upwards, I see more stairs... Lots of flights of stairs...
"Chisa! Open the door! We only want to help you! Please believe us!"
No. They're lying... I can't trust anything they say. I can only trust myself. I can hear multiple shouts and grunts on the background... I'm surrounded! I'm trapped! My fear mounts and I gaze at the stairs. I take a moment to examine my feet and my stomach. They look bad, both are still oozing blood. My left hand is saturated with blood, the sight alone makes me queasy. There's only one option...
I have to. I have to use the stairs. I won't let myself get caught now, not after getting this far...
This is my only hope...
Loud bangs echo off the door, startling me. Fresh tears seep from my eyes and I make my decision. I sniff, taking a deep breath, wiping my eyes with my right hand.
Staggering to my feet I place one foot on the stairs as my eyes burn with determination...
*****
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